Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta grew up as a San Francisco 49ers fan and will play his childhood team in the Super Bowl. (AP Photo)

NEW ORLEANS — Growing up in Southern California, Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta was a 49ers fan. That will not be the case during Super Bowl XLVII. But Pitta finds it funny that the opponent in his first Super Bowl will be his favorite childhood team.

"I was a big fan of Steve Young, Rickey Watters, Jerry Rice, and that whole crew," Pitta said. "It’s kind of special to be in this position, especially to be able to go against a team that I idolized growing up. After 60 minutes of football, having that confetti fall on you and know that you’re world champions. That would be a perfect outcome for us.’’

Pitta said he is looking forward to playing an indoor Super Bowl, after a playoff game in Denver that was bitterly cold.

"We won’t have to worry about the weather, the wind, the cold or anything like that,’’ Pitta said. "I think we’re all pretty excited about it.’’